New Mazda Vision X-Coupe revives rotary with 503-bhp twin-turbo hybrid powertrain 

Designed to run off microalgae-derived fuel and use a rotary engine to power the wheels directly, Mazda’s X-Coupe gives hope to petrolheads far and wide. Here’s why we’re excited.

If there’s one car brand which embodies the lyrics of Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way, it’s Mazda. Where other marques zig, Mazda likes to zag. And, while its solutions and technologies haven’t always hit the mark in the past, you can’t deny the firm’s commitment to genuine innovation. 

And if there’s one technology which gets petrolheads all misty eyed, it’s the rotary (Wankel) engine. Yes, we know it’s lived on as a range extender/generator since the iconic RX-8 was discontinued, but it’s been over 13 years since one of these triangular piston engines has directly propelled a car. 

Until now. Stealing headlines at Tokyo’s 2025 Motor Show, the new Vision X-Coupe feels like a life raft for those worried about internal combustion’s imminent demise. Designed to offer a combination of 503 bhp and 500 miles of range, this hybrid concept boasts attention-grabbing stats.

We’re more interested in the working behind Mazda’s sums, though. Sure, there’s nothing groundbreaking about a hybrid powertrain, or even one underpinned by a rotary unit, but this is the first time we’ve seen one which promises to drive the wheels directly. That means you’ll be able to run that silky smooth engine through the revs (presumably with different gear ratios) and enjoy the characteristic rotary growl. Only, unlike in the RX-7 and RX-8 where that meant poor fuel efficiency and sky-high exhaust emissions, the new Vision-X actually cleans the air as it drives along. 

Cleans the air? Nope that’s not a typo, Mazda boldly claims the Vision X-Coupe goes one step further than conventional carbon-neutral EVs, reducing atmospheric CO2 with ‘mobile carbon capture technology’ and fuel derived from microalgae. In theory then, the new Mazda coupe will sport ‘carbon negative’ credentials, all whilst indulging enthusiasts with a characterful engine. Oh, and should you tire of that noise, you’ll even be able to travel up to 100 miles on the battery alone. 

What’s not to like about that then? Well, it is worth pointing out that the concept isn’t road ready. According to Mazda this nascent tech is still a few years from fruition, and even then it won’t necessarily be packaged in the Vision X-Coupe’s rakish body. Speaking of which, what do you make of those minimalistic lines? With it’s hidden door handles, frameless windows, and seamless silhouette, we think it’s a winner — albeit not quite as handsome as their 2023 Iconic SP concept.

Ultimately, then, Mazda’s new Vision X-Coupe paints a positive picture of what the future of performance motoring could look like. As the firm’s President and CEO Masahiro Moro, argues ‘under the shared global mission of achieving carbon neutrality, Mazda believes that the joy of driving can be a force for positive change for society and the planet. We remain committed to fulfilling the desire of those who love cars and wish to continue driving as long as possible.’

But what do you think? Is Mazda perseverance with internal combustion a positive for the petrolhead community?

Hero image credit: Mazda